MARYVILLE (AP) — A move to regulate applause at a county's legislative meetings has died — to audience applause.

Blount County Commissioners heard plenty from the audience at Thursday's meeting. Most speakers objected to a proposed change in bylaws that would ban clapping during the consent calendar portion of meetings.

One speaker called the idea a ludicrous restriction on the freedom of expression. Another said it made her think the commission didn't want to hear citizens' opinions, according to The Daily Times.

Another seemed to support the idea, saying commission meetings aren't popularity contests. She didn't receive applause.

When it came time to decide, no commissioner made a motion to consider it and the chairman declared it dead.